A raw diet for dogs is always better than conventional ready-made food
A raw diet can work, but it is not automatically healthier. A poorly balanced diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies, and raw meat may contain pathogens. If bones are also fed, there is a risk of broken teeth and injuries caused by splintering bone fragments. A high-quality complete feed reliably meets nutritional requirements. Anyone who still wishes to put together their own diet (whether raw or cooked) should definitely do so in consultation with a nutritionist.
If an animal is still eating, it can’t be seriously ill
Unfortunately, thatās not true! Many animals only show signs of illness at a late stage, and not every condition affects their appetite. In the case of hyperthyroidism, a common problem in older cats, for example, their appetite is often significantly increased ā yet if left untreated, the condition can still be life-threatening. However, if a cat does stop eating, this should always be taken seriously and investigated by a vet.
You don’t have to brush an animal’s teeth
Dental problems are among the most common health issues in dogs and cats. Regular tooth brushing can prevent or slow down the build-up of tartar, thereby reducing the risk of periodontal disease.
Cats always land on their feet
Although cats have a strong righting reflex, they can still suffer serious injuries if they fall! In households with cats, it is essential to secure windows and balconies with appropriate nets.
Female dogs and cats should have a litter before being spayed
There is no medical evidence to support this. Pregnancy always carries risks for both the mother and her offspring. If complications arise, veterinary bills can quickly run into four figures, for example if an emergency caesarean section has to be performed. Furthermore, most animal shelters and private foster homes are overcrowded, which raises the question of whether it is really necessary to bring more animals into the world when others have been waiting for a loving home for so long.
Indoor-only cats do not need to be vaccinated or dewormed, nor do they need to be microchipped
The current recommendation for indoor cats is that, once their initial vaccination course is complete, they should be vaccinated against cat flu and panleucopenia (feline distemper) every three years and dewormed annually. Even if the cat itself never sets a paw outside the door, humans can bring pathogens into the home on their shoes and clothing; you may occasionally have visitors who have pets themselves; and when the cat is taken to the vet, it also has (at least indirect) contact with other animals. We would also definitely recommend a microchip, including registration, in case the cat does manage to dash outside through an open door.
Tick protection is only necessary from May to October
Partly due to climate change, ticks are now found here every single day of the year, which is why the current recommendation is that dogs and cats that go outdoors should be protected against ticks all year round. Of course, the risk is significantly higher during the warmer months.
Regular vomiting is normal for cats
For cats, frequent vomiting for no apparent reason (such as hairballs in long-haired cats or vomiting after eating cat grass) is just as abnormal as it is for humans or other animals. There is no standard for what constitutes an āacceptableā frequency of vomiting. If your cat vomits more often than once a month, whether it is food or hairballs, the issue should be discussed at the latest during the next annual or six-monthly check-up. However, if he/she vomits several times a day, he/she should be taken to a vet as soon as possible.
Chemotherapy for pets is nothing but torture
In principle, anticancer drugs can cause the same side effects in animals as they do in humans; however, in veterinary medicine, these drugs are administered at much lower doses precisely to avoid this. Around 15ā20% of patients experience mild symptoms (such as nausea, diarrhoea or fatigue), which usually disappear after a few days. Apart from the fact that an animal cannot consciously opt for high-dose chemotherapy with potentially serious side effects, it would also be impossible for dogs and cats to maintain the necessary hygiene whilst suffering from such severe immunosuppression.
